Hematologic Responses of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease to Treatment with Hydroxyurea

Abstract excerpt

Because fetal hemoglobin contains gammaglobin chains instead of beta chains, it is not affected by the genetic defect that causes sickle cell disease. Increased levels of fetal hemoglobin decrease the tendency toward intracellular polymerization of sickle hemoglobin that characterizes this disease. Hydroxyurea is one of several cytostatic agents that have been shown to increase the production of fetal hemoglobin...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Erythropoietin and Anemia Treatment
• Share to Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
• Share to Iron Metabolism and Disorders